🍯🔥 Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Hot Honey
Juicy, tender salmon bites cooked to perfection in the air fryer, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. A perfect quick weeknight meal, appetizer, or protein-packed snack with bold flavor and a little kick!
🍽️ Servings
Serves 2–3 as a main, or 4 as an appetizer.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Hot Honey:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to your spice level)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for squeezing
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the salmon:
In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. - Air fry the salmon:
Place the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 125–130°F for medium, or 145°F for well-done). - Make the hot honey:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine honey and hot sauce. Heat gently (on stove or microwave) for 10–20 seconds, just until warm and runny. Stir in red pepper flakes if using. - Toss and serve:
Transfer salmon bites to a bowl and drizzle with hot honey. Toss gently to coat. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve with lemon wedges.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Spice level: Start with 1 tsp hot sauce, taste, and adjust as needed. The red pepper flakes will dial up the heat even more.
- No air fryer? Bake in the oven at 425°F for 10–12 mins or pan-sear for 2–3 mins per side.
- Serve with: Rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or on a salad. Makes a great taco filling too!
- Make it a bowl: Serve over rice or greens with avocado, cucumber, and a yogurt-lime drizzle.
✅ Benefits
- Rich in Omega-3s for heart and brain health
- High in protein – great for muscle building and recovery
- Low in carbs, gluten-free, and naturally dairy-free
- Air fryer = less oil and quicker cooking with crispier texture
🍴 Nutritional Info (per serving, serves 3 – estimate)
- Calories: ~290
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 12g (from honey)
- Omega-3s: ~2g (from salmon)
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to avoid sogginess.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?
A: Definitely. Store in a jar at room temp or refrigerate. Warm it up slightly before using.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Skip the red pepper flakes and use a mild hot sauce (or none) for a more kid-friendly version.
Let me know if you want this recipe turned into a printable card, a meal prep version, or adapted for a specific dietary need!